Drama
United Kingdom,Germany
Distant Voices, Still Lives is a 1988 British film directed by Terence Davies. It is the second in his trilogy of autobiographical films, preceded by "Trilogy" and followed by "The Long Day Closes". The film depicts the life of a working-class family in Liverpool during the 1940s and 1950s, based on Davies's own family.
The film is divided into two parts, with the first part focusing on the family's life in the past, while the second part deals with their life in the present. The family is seen struggling with various issues such as poverty, domestic violence, and grief. The father is portrayed as a heavy-handed and abusive figure, while the mother tries to keep the family together despite all the hardships.
Throughout the film, Davies employs a highly stylized approach to storytelling, using a series of impressionistic tableaux to convey the emotional intensity of each scene. The film is also noted for its use of popular songs from the era, which serve to add depth and texture to the family's experiences. The film's final montage, which combines images of past and present, is a particularly poignant and affecting moment.
Overall, Distant Voices, Still Lives is a powerful and deeply moving film that offers a searing portrait of working-class life in post-war Britain. Its evocative imagery and visceral storytelling make it a true masterpiece of British cinema.
